In Short

A round-up of today's other stories in brief.

A round-up of today's other stories in brief.

Textile factory to be redeveloped

A textile factory site in Cork which was destroyed in a fire two years ago resulting in the loss of 110 jobs looks set to be redeveloped as part of a multimillion euro revamp of the northside suburb of Blackpool in the city.

The accidental fire at Refond Ltd in the Sunbeam Industrial Estate on September 23rd, 2003, caused over €5 million in damage, destroying the textile plant as well as a number of adjoining businesses. However, the plant looks set to be rejuvenated as plans have been lodged with Cork City Council by businessman Martin Buckley for a commercial and apartment development at the four-acre site.

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The ambitious scheme includes an 18-storey apartment tower, a large retail warehouse unit, a leisure centre, a 12,000 square metre office block, 260 residential apartment units, a creche and a three-storey cafe. Roscommon plan decision deferred

An Bord Pleanála has deferred a decision on a controversial multimillion-euro three-storey housing development beside Roscommon town's historic castle and overlooking the town park.

The board was expected to make its findings known in the last few days but it has now announced they will not make an announcement until January 18th.

Members of Roscommon County Council voted in July to rezone the ground from open space to residential, paving the way for the development by local businessman Alan Molloy. The Molloys purchased less than half an acre of the park from the council for almost €50,000.

Woman climbs seven summits

A Cork doctor who last year became the first Irish woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest has added to her achievements by scaling the world's seven highest mountains.

Dr Clare O'Leary (33) from Bandon became the first Irish woman to climb Mount Everest in May of 2004 and went on to climb Mount McKinley in Alaska, Elbrus in Russia and Kosciuszko in Australia.

Before Everest she had already tackled Kilimanjaro in Africa and Aconcagua in South America. Her challenge ended last Friday at 4pm (8pm Irish time) in Antarctica as she climbed Mount Vinson.

Nun may be Cork Person of Year

A nun who has dedicated the last 20 years of her life to community work in her native city is in the final line-up for the Cork Person of the Year award after she scooped the title of Person of the Month for December.

Sr Patricia Donovan of the Little Sisters of the Assumption opened a community centre at Roches' Buildings in the north side suburb of Blackpool.

Activities at the centre include a morning preschool, bingo evenings, a neighbourhood watch scheme and a women's forum.